What is vire-clesse?

Vire-Clesse is a small Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) located in the Macon region of Burgundy, France. It was created in 1999 and is known for producing white wines from the Chardonnay grape variety.

The vineyards of Vire-Clesse are situated on the western slopes of the Solutré and Vergisson hills, which provides excellent drainage for the vineyards. The soil is composed of limestone and clay, which allows the Chardonnay grapes to ripen well and produce wines with a distinct minerality.

Vire-Clesse wines are typically dry, crisp, and refreshing with notes of citrus, apple, and mineral. They are often compared to other Chardonnay-based wines from Burgundy, but the unique terroir and growing conditions of Vire-Clesse give these wines a distinct character.

Vire-Clesse is a relatively small AOC, with around 150 hectares of vineyards and fewer than 30 producers. The region is committed to sustainable and organic wine production practices to preserve the natural environment and produce high-quality wines.